Layoff hurts Wildcats in loss

Tuesday

Jan 8, 2013 at 10:00 AM

By Ed Patinoed.patino@hillsdale.netPITTSFORD — Playing in its first game in three weeks, the Pittsford High School girls basketball team couldn't get on track.A slow start and cold shooting in the fourth quarter hindered the Wildcats in a 39-26 loss to Pioneer North Central (Ohio) in a non-conference game Monday.Pittsford (4-3) was playing its first game since Dec. 17. The teams were originally scheduled to play Dec. 20, but the game was postponed to Monday. The Wildcats' rust was evident early on, as North Central jumped to a 13-4 lead in the opening quarter."It's hard to get back into it, and they played a three-quarter court trap," Pittsford coach Chris Hodos said. "Once we slowed down we were able to get into our offense. I'm glad we played a non-conference game tonight to get our legs back."Pittsford matched baskets with North Central during an even second quarter and trailed 23-14 at halftime. The Wildcats gained momentum in the third quarter and pulled to within four by the end of the frame, then a basket in the opening minute of the fourth quarter brought them to within 28-26.The Wildcats would go cold from the floor after that, and North Central scored the game's final 11 points to take the win."We got better as we went along, but we had some wide-open shots that we didn't hit," Hodos said.Laura Clark scored nine points and grabbed six rebounds to lead the Wildcats. Laura Smith had seven points and three steals, while Bianca Wright grabbed six rebounds and handed out four assists.Pittsford returns to Southern Central Athletic Association play tonight at home against North Adams-Jerome. The Wildcats will conclude the week Friday at Jackson Christian."After a long layoff, we're looking forward to start playing again," Hodos said.